McLeish: SFL1 is best place for newco

Football Writer

Thursday 12 July 2012

HENRY McLEISH, the former first minister, believes that Rangers newco starting out in the Irn-Bru First Division represents "the best way forward" for the game in this country.

Henry McLeish wants to look at the bigger picture

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Graeme Macpherson

The Scottish Football League clubs are to vote tomorrow on whether to admit the Ibrox newco into their set-up and at what level, after the Scottish Premier League last week rejected their application. At least half of the SFL clubs, as well as many Rangers fans, are thought to favour the club starting out in the third division but McLeish, author of an extensive review into the state of Scottish football, felt it would serve the game better if Rangers were allowed to start life in the second tier.

"If you look at the SPL option, that would have ticked the box about keeping finances to the fore but would have nothing as a fit and proper punishment [for the oldco's financial mismanagement]," he said. "If you look at SFL3, that ticks the box in terms of a fit and proper punishment but it raises concerns about finance and the future. If you look at SFL1, then to me it can tick both boxes."It brings to a conclusion, I would like to think, the range of punishments that have been meted out. But it also satisfies the fact that a huge punishment has been delivered in terms of their integrity and credibility. "It is a balance and the fans may want to extract the maximum punishment, which is the third division. But I think the best way forward is the one I have outlined. The SFL chairmen don't need any more advice. There are 30 of them who reflect clubs, communities, brands and some fantastic histories in the game. So it's not about putting more pressure on them."What it's about is the whole game facing up to the fact that once Rangers have been found a home, we can get them out of the courts and on to the pitch. Then we can actually start to concentrate on some of the bigger issues."McLeish hoped that, whatever verdict is returned tomorrow, it would represent some sort of closure to the saga. "I just want them to make a decision and find a home for Rangers," he added. "If it is in the third division, we accept that. If it's in the first division, we accept that. But what we must not do is have another inquest or inquiry into any decision that is made. We are two weeks away from the start of the season and we have a newco in there somewhere. We have a fixture list which has to be completed, so the fans and everyone else need to know where we are going."Supporters of all clubs have been united in their opposition to the prospect of a newco being parachuted into the first division but McLeish felt the time had come for them to move on. "The fans were right to highlight the fact we want a game that has integrity and credibility and that Rangers should face a fit and proper punishment."I wouldn't disagree with any of that. They put it the fore, they've influenced other chairmen and they've influenced the mood. With the SPL having taking the decision they have, the first part of the fans' objectives has been realised. Bit I'd like to see them embrace the confidence that they've had throughout this issue and now move on. I think it's a reasonable thing to ask. They've stretched their muscles on this, they've made sure they've been listened to, but I now think it's time for them to move from the Rangers issue to concentrate on other aspects."

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McLeish: SFL1 is best place for newco

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